Stoke have signed Uruguay midfielder Diego Arismendi for an initial £2.9million fee. The 21-year-old has moved to the Britannia Stadium from Club Nacional in a deal which could rise to £4.84million.

Arismendi has two international caps for Uruguay, making his debut against Norway last year, and is boss Tony Pulis' third summer signing after last week's captures of Tuncay and Robert Huth from Middlesbrough.

Arismendi told the club's official website: "It's a dream come true to come and play in the Premier League. In my opinion it is the best league in the world and having watched it on television for many years, I had long held the ambition of coming to play here one day.

"I was impressed with the welcome that I received from the club and I also like the ambitious plans that the manager has for the club in the long term.''

Chief executive Tony Scholes believes the fans may have to be patient, but expects Arismendi to be a success in Staffordshire.

He said: "This is the first time the club has signed a player directly from South America. Clearly Diego will need time to settle in, but we are excited by his potential and are confident he will prove a great acquisition.''